Highland Park High School

Principal's Weekly Update

December 7, 2020. Issue 16
Dear Giant Families,

The countdown to Winter break is upon us (10 days to go) and there are feelings of both excitement and exhaustion in the air.  I hope the next two weeks are filled with great conversation, thoughtful questioning and a love for learning even  in the midst of a pandemic.  Remember this year, the last week of the semester (Dec. 14 - 17) is not a traditional final exam week. Please check in with your student about what teachers are asking of them during the last weeks of first semester.  In addition, please be reminded of the additional academic support available through The Learning Center (TLC).  Please have your student visit the TLC website for information about connecting with a tutor.  

We continue to be here to support you and your student(s), so please reach out to teachers, counselors, case managers, deans, etc. if we can be of assistance.
MONDAYS - FRIENDLY REMINDER

In case it is helpful, here are the notes we previously shared regarding remote Giant days (today/Mondays):
 
Students will be required to attend each of their classes, either asynchronously or synchronously - as determined by the teacher.   Teachers will update their students with their plans for these days, just like they do for regular remote school days.  Please be aware that teachers will take attendance. 

Please note the following about 12/7:
  • Students already slated to attend an approved virtual meeting that conflicts with a synchronous class will be allowed to miss the necessary portion of that class and adequate time to make up the work.
  • Students who need extra support in any given class may be expected to attend that class(es) even if the class is meeting asynchronously.  For this as well, teachers will share expectations with students with adequate advance notice.
CELEBRATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Click here to read all about our awesome counseling department, including information about course registration information, flex and executive functioning workshops, career exploration and post-secondary counseling, and much more!

Also, congratulations to the cast and crew of Stunts which occurred this past weekend!  This student-produced and acted performance is always a highlight of our year!  Huge thanks to Mr. Shallenbarger, Mr. Solotke and Mr. Rosenzweig for continuing to lead this amazing show!
SECOND SEMESTER TESTING/JUNIOR PSAT

This letter was recently sent out regarding all second semester school day testing that will occur at HPHS. The testing applies to all freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and some seniors who did not take the state required SAT in September or October of 2020.  
 
The first exam of second semester is the PSAT/NMSQT, which is only available to juniors.  The letter contains a Google Form for registration purposes.  We ask that all juniors fill out the form whether they plan to take the exam or not.  This will help us plan accordingly for staffing and room usage. 


D113 EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The D113 Education Foundation will be holding their Virtual Auction Dec. 7 - 13.  The Foundation assists staff in making our students' classrooms more interesting, engaging and adaptive. Your donations help to provide innovative, valuable equipment, supplies and programs to staff and students at both Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools.  There are many great items up for auction, so take a look (D113 Virtual Auction Link)!  

ATHLETICS

IHSA Update from December 2nd
  • Given our state's current mitigations, the IHSA Board has no expectation of starting low risk winter sports prior to January.
  • The IHSA Board hopes to reestablish contact days in January for any winter sports that cannot begin, as well as spring and summer sports.
  • The introduction of the contact days will be based on mitigations from the Governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Further guidance on contact day limits will be established at a future IHSA Board meeting.
  • Given its status as a low risk sport, the IHSA Board also discussed the possibility of moving the girls badminton season from the spring to the winter.
  • The IHSA Board reiterated that they remain committed to creating as much opportunity as possible for all sports to be played this school year.
  • The IHSA Board continues to evaluate season start and end dates depending on when the winter season resumes.
  • The IHSA Board is scheduled to meet again on December 14.
 
HPHS Fall Awards
Thanks to the coaches who spent their Saturday morning working the drive thru awards pick-up for Fall sports.  It was easy to see the joy the event brought to our athletes, coaches and parents.    
 
 
Virtual Leadership Series
The Athletic Department will be offering virtual leadership sessions for interested athletes.  The first topic, What kind of leader are you?, is Thursday, December 10th from 4:00-4:45pm.  Students will only be able to access the sessions by logging in from their District 113 account.  The Leadership Series is geared toward athletes, but open to all HPHS students - just email pharris@dist113.org for an invite to the first session.

CTAD
Students in Delta share how they stay safe, healthy and positive this holiday season in CTAD’s December newsletter. If you still have holiday shopping to do, you might also be inspired by gifts on their wish list. Also in this issue: 
  • Festive drink recipes everyone can enjoy 
  • A chance to win a free pizza from New York Slices 
  • Health benefits of expressing gratitude 
  • Local restaurants supporting drug-free youth 

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
With GIANT Pride ,

Debby Finn
Highland Park High School 2020-21